A good yacht for single handing and Cruising 4 crew any suggestions?

[DeeGee]

Lots of reasonable replies here, so it is time for an unreasonable one.

I have seen all sorts of boats single-handled incredibly competently, sizes going up to 43' this year (Jeanneau). Assuming you are competent at handling your current boat, you would grow into, and learn to handle the problems of length - so dont use handling as the FIRST criterion (that means use it as the SECOND) - and find a boat you thing you would really love to have, that would carry your bunch in comfort, that will retain a modicum of resale value.

Size only matters when you are antifouling! If you do your own, as 99% of us do, that is when you REALLY wish you had something just a bit smaller /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

For 4-up, I would go for 35-36ft minimum, and you wont be wanting to change again for a good few years. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Boeingdr]

Yes lots of reasonable replies hereI agree, however not an unreasonable reply from DeeGee.
I agree I want something that will do the job and that I wont feel the need to change for some years to come.
All boats are a compromise IMO, I really find my SEAMASTER a joy to handle alone...provided I chose the right conditions! (we all have our days mind you).
Its good to hear that all sorts of boats are managed alone, if a suitable 36fter will provide the same enjoyment alone and keep the family in some comfort then that is what I would choose.

 

[David_Jersey]

Re: Bouncing off MOBO\'s?

[ QUOTE ]
Seriously, it strikes me that anyone doing a 27-point turn (I have myself) hasn't worked out the conflict between prop-walk and windage and whether or not prop-wash can help or hinder. So find John Goode's articles about parking and ponder awhile.



[/ QUOTE ]

Good advice. In my defence, newish boat to me and in Cherbourg an unfamiliar port and very full - I know the principles, just working on the practical /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif........ fortunately I am not someone who worries about looking like a tw#t /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif- as long as I get a result in the end. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Signed Out]

Re: Bouncing off MOBO\'s?

Picking up moorings and anchoring from the cockpit would probably be easy if the helm wasn't around a metre to the closest point of rail, and maybe 1.5-2 to a cleat. Maybe a longer boathook is called for!

Not sure if antifouling's the first worry with regards to size in my mind... berthing costs, and getting one in the 1st place get line honours in my race. Berths for boats around 35' are not so easy to come by, let alone at a reasonable price.

 

[David_Jersey]

Re: Bouncing off MOBO\'s?

At the risk of stating the obvious (which you have no doubt considered and discounted!).........what about fitting a closer cleat? Doesn't have to be a full sized one, just enough to temporarily hook onto whilst you go forward, maybe one of those folding cleats, so you are not always tripping over if in an awkward spot??

Or as you say, a longer boathook!

 

[James_Calvert]

Very happy with our Sadler 32 for past 20 yrs. Headroom's fine for me (I'm 6 foot) but not in forecabin where we tend to put children or guests. More spacious than Contessa 32 (about a foot more beam) and no mast or mast support intruding into cabin.

As regards interior finish, there's a fair bit of moulded GRP - including the headlining - but the teak joinery is good quality for the time and ours has stood up well to wear and tear over the years - as has the teak (?) and holly veneered ply cabin sole.

Our use of the boat has been very similar to your needs - two of our three kids have now grown up and tend not to sail so much with us, but over the years we have often cruised with 4 adults and 3 children - mainly day sailing. For longer passages it's nice to have 3 or 4 adults to share watches, but my wife and I can manage OK.

I enjoy handling her single handed (the Sadler I mean), everything is in easy enough reach in the cockpit, and the tiller's just the right height for hands-free steering with my backside when conditions are right (something you can't do with a wheel!).

And with just 4 tonnes displacement, and a relatively low windage profile, she's still small enough to be manhandled if necessary (without any fancy rope work) - in normal conditions - when entering/leaving berths.

A trial sail should have you hooked.

 

[Signed Out]

I appreciate that cleating temporarily helps, and have no qualms using any strong point- a winch or whatever, but getting the lines to the pontoon (rings, grrr) is a big part of the challenge, and I can't see a way of getting that closer. At least I get back to my boat this week and should get a few more chances to practice very soon.

Good to hear that about the Sadler 32, thanks. Jem.